Almost 70 offshore workers have been evacuated from a North Sea platform amid fears of damage and destruction as Storm Caroline closes in on the UK.

CNR International Limited said it was taking precautionary measures by evacuating the crew on board the Ninian South platform due to adverse weather conditions and wave heights that could “impact the safety of those on board”.

Industry leaders have rejected claims the North Sea's energy reserves could run out within a decade.

Ninety personnel had remained on the platform as of last night. Sixty-nine staff had been evacuated.

Remedial work was being carried out on the platform’s “jacket” – the steel support frame of the structure.